Ibiza restaurants: Finca La Plaza – Enchanting events

There’s something magical about summer nights. It’s the ethereal blue light that seems to cascade directly from depths of the sky, the stars shimmering above – a living monument to moments passed – and the warm breeze that flurries all around, reminding us we’re at the mercy of the elements. When all these factors combine, alfresco dining becomes the simplest of undiluted pleasures, and in Ibiza there’s nowhere better to experience a Mediterranean feast than at Finca La Plaza, a restaurant at the very heart of the island that specialises in harnessing enchanting moments for all to savour.

Set just off the main square in the bustling, bohemian little village of Santa Gertrudis, Finca La Plaza exudes exquisite charm. Its pièce de resistance is a stunning pebbled garden adorned with dark wooden tables themselves topped with candles, woven raffia chairs plumped up for comfort and fairylights strung between palm trees for added romance. But the magnetism continues inside too, where cosy corners strewn with cushions and soft, low lighting all add to the restaurant’s appeal, which naturally, starts and ends with delicious Mediterranean fare and ends with free-flowing wine and unstoppable conversation.

Open all year round, Finca La Plaza buzzes with vibrancy whatever the month, largely as a result of chitter chatter from satisfied diners, but also from live music nights on Saturdays when the purity of voice and clarity of acoustic sounds blend to create a special kind of aural pleasure that floats through the air. Then there’s the food, which creates a subtle energy all of its own. From sharing plates and salads, charcoal oven grilled cuts of meat and fish, and a selection of main courses, there’s something to suit every taste and appetite, plus a bespoke menu of expertly mixed cocktails to accompany every course.

It goes without saying that the captivating nature of Finca La Plaza makes it ideal for long, intimate dinners shared with loved ones, but in actual fact, separate areas are available for hire, making it a perfect spot for events, too. Those in search of a memorable place for celebrating a milestone birthday can reserve a dedicated area, while for larger events like parties, engagement celebrations or wedding receptions, the entire restaurant can be reserved, allowing you to spend a balmy Mediterranean night up close with friends and family, united in the joy of the occasion. For island businesses now seeing the end of the season in sight, it’s a great location to treat your team to an end-of-season dinner.

The stunning setting of the restaurant also makes it an obvious choice for weddings. Canapés, cocktails and champagne can be served in the aromatic garden on arrival, with guests free to mingle and converse as they please. The party can then continue in the restaurant, where guests can enjoy a seated meal, cooked to the high standards of the Finca La Plaza kitchen. There are two special event menus and bespoke options can also be designed to suit your tastes. The first includes starters of grilled artichoke with lemon, spinach, mint and a touch of rosemary, sautéed baby squid served alongside roasted Iberian ham with parsley and garlic oil, and trio of homemade croquettes.

Mouth-watering mains are then available to choose – ravioli with burrata, creamy courgette and lemon sauce, wild sea bass fillet with Mediterranean sauce, or corn fed baby chicken. It’s all topped off with desserts including traditional flaó – a Catalan speciality pastry with filling made from goat cheese, eggs, sugar and mint, or a selection of ice creams in delicious flavours of chocolate, vanilla, lemon or hazelnut. The second menu is slightly higher in price, but features a range of additional show-stopping touches like Ibérico de Bellota ham served with toasted bread, cherry tomato and basil to start.

The main course options are different, too. Choose from gratin Mahon cheese macaroni and seasonal black truffle, red prawn tartar with lemon and lavender scent (fresh from the garden, of course), and delectable lamb ribs with buttered potatoes and charcoal vegetables. For dessert, attempt to decide between creamy Gianduja – an Italian speciality chocolate praline, served with hazelnut ice cream, or a classic tarte tatin served with vanilla ice cream – in either scenario, you’re sure to be in total dessert heaven. Wine and water packs can also be added to the menu, as required.

So from warm, cherished dinners with your nearest and dearest to small events worth celebrating, and right the way through to large-scale gatherings – Finca La Plaza offers something for all. Regardless of occasion, guests will head home with a head full of memories having tasted a quintessential slice of Mediterranean life.